Q. I went to my building department because I want to build a deck in my backyard. They told me I could make a sketch and turn it in with papers they gave me to sign, but when I did, they rejected everything, saying . . .
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Q. I saw an advertisement for power-washing and handyman work, and want your opinion about whether to try to restore my old deck, which hasn’t been power-washed or stained in years. Some boards have . . .
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Q. I’ve worked in the residential construction industry for decades, and I’m formerly a licensed general contractor in a third-generation business. During this time I have learned proper construction practices through experience and education . . .
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Q. We found a notice stuck to our front door with a code violation about our pool and tall fence, and we don’t understand. Our pool was there when we bought the house. The newer fence replaced the old one from the old owner.
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Q. Our house is very tall, with an attic, a staircase and room to make bedrooms and a bathroom. We want to complete the attic like the other houses around us and have a pool table in the middle, which my husband says needs beams because . . .
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Q. My neighbor and I share a fence, and I want to get a permit for it, but they don’t want me to, because we both have sheds and they’re sure we’ll both get caught for our sheds and possibly other things, like their pool and deck.
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Q. My home is near a golf course that has been approved for a housing development, and we’re very concerned. The traffic is already very heavy, so more traffic is going to be a big problem for us. I anticipate that our property value will . . .
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